Yep Bev, Hypnotic is a good description! I am an avid reader anyway and I love when I find someone who's writing style keeps my interest....regardless of the subject. Allen Carr was certainly one of those writers! I'll have to see what other books he wrote and see if any peak my interest. Not a smoker and don't need to lose weight, but maybe he has some other self help books that would be beneficial to me. Wonder if he has one on learning to be patient

And Linda I too am thinking that I will have to re-read the book, as there is just so much in there that there is a danger that you'll forget some of it after a while and then start to feel temptation again. I think that with re-reading it and chatting with you folks on here I stand a much better chance than before.

I took notes on the book . . . the parts that were meaningful to me.
I can easily go back to the notes now without going back to the entire book.
They key thing for me was accepting the NO BENEFITS of drinking part.
Then it clicked.

momof5girls, The book has really helped me understand how I got to where I am and how to get out of the vicious cycle. I'm not where I want to be yet, but am working on getting there everyday. I have TONS more sober days than drinking days and I'm still aiming for total abstinence. I will reread the book periodically to reinforce what I've learned.

Hope you are doing well on your quest towards a happier and healthier you

The book arrived. Infact I ordered two. One for smoking and one for alcohol. I m currently reading the alcohol book to help kick this horrible stuff.

I want to feel healthy again. He mentions that in the book that if you quit drinking and smoking you get much healthier and thats what I want. Once I beat this habit the next will be smoking. One at a time.

I am loving it. I love the fact that he says the obvious that we do not normally consider.

His writing style reminds me of me. When I explain something to someone that I am passionate about, I explain it in a way that makes them realise the truth and the obvious, I bring it to the surface. I work in sales which this style works to my advantage.

I am at the moment battling as to whether I can control this demon. The EAF! My friends can and it makes me wonder, well, can I? Surely I can? Allen Carr says we are never in control. I have asked my friends and they say that they just consider consequences and how much they need to feel incontrol ie know when they are starting to get sloshed and know when to cut back. Only drink at weekends. Setting alcohol rules etc.

I have not finished his book. I do intend to within a week or so (a slow reader).

I need to do whats right for me. I could be talking boll**ks atm because I could come here soon with my tail between my legs so I will keep you updated. I am going through the process of learning.

All I do know is this. Why the bugger should I let some substance have a rule over my life and my mind? Ive quit other stuff before. I have gained control of my life in many different instances, so why not this? Another thing I think about is, if you quit alcohol then perhaps the alcohol has won because you would rather steer clear than control it. It still controls you if you avoid it. It still has that hold.

I make the decisions for my life. I am in control of my life. I would ideally take that hold it has on me and understand it, be very aware of it in every way it may effect me and face it head on to find a way to control it.

Denise, I had many of the same thoughts about the book. It is amazing that so much of what he says; we really already know, but just don't think about it the way he describes it. I loved his writing style and feel I learned so much about how I got to this point in my addiction. I still am not where I want to be, but I feel I am getting there everyday. Sounds like you are still in a serious "pondering" stage based on what you have read in the book. Once you are done with the book, you will probably do a lot of "mulling over" what you have read....I know I did. I plan on re-reading the book some day.

Happy reading and mulling.....I'm sure it will help you in some way and hopefully in a big way

Staying busy is must for me Denise If I get bored, I am likely to turn to my old friend to relieve the boredom I think that is why I have so much trouble on the weekend, often too much time on my hands.

I've just finished reading this book and I'm ready to stop drinking alcohol. I'm taking on board everything he's written and ..... that's it, I'm free!

Lee x

p.s. For anyone about to read it, I recommend that you take his advice not to stop drinking until you finish the whole book..... understanding the philosophy behind drinking alcohol and why we do it is the important key.

p.p.s. My first read was very quick. I'm going to read over it again so I can retain much of what is written. I've found when studying, that subsequent readings reinforce content and bring up new points.